Hi, I am very new to Boca Raton, in fact new to the USA. Have moved here from New Zealand to be with my partner permantly after learning I am pregnant. Currently 19wks and have had the first two scans in NZ and all checks up until now there. However, I have no idea how the system works in America, who to go to, how to arrange a Doctor that is a "good" doctor or whether to go with a midwife. To date I havent had much luck finding information on midwives in the area. Other than my partner, at this stage I dont have any friends in this area. Originally lived in NY so my friends etc up there unfortunately cant offer me any advice on how things work here in Florida. Basically, Im looking for any advice at all, information on Doctors, midwives, antenatal classes that are offered and groups that perhaps meet up every now and again. Im very keen to meet new people, especially so that when the baby is born I will be able to have playdates and to get out and about.
If anyone has any ideas and/or advice I would be greatly appreciative. Any info on where to buy baby products etc too and maternity clothes (getting a belly now) too would be fab! Thanks very much!
I highly recommend the group Women's Health Partners. Doctors in this practice include Dr. Newman, Dr. Beil, Dr. Arcelin, Dr. Friedman, etc. They have 2 midwives on their staff as well so you can see either a doctor or midwife. They have an office in West Boca (SW 18th and Powerline) and one in Boynton. They deliver at both West Boca and Boca Community.
Welcome. I'm new to the area too and moved in the midst of my pregnancy too. I found an ob group that I like and their website is bocaboyntonobgyn.com. I think they have offices and deliver babies at West Boca Medical Center as well as in Boynton Beach. For baby gear and maternity wear, you can't go wrong with BabysRUs or Target for basic stuff, and I've found some more specialized baby stuff by doing internet searches for stores in your town.
congrats on your pregnancy! We're off to Australia and you've come here! You'll find it to be MUCH different here. I had a wonderful midwife and she is apparently well known in town. Her name is Connie Mullen. http://www.conniemullenmidwife.com/
All of her information, including phone number are there.
If you choose to have her assist you, you will be most pleased. Feel free to contact me if you'd like.
what type of baby products are you looking for? Op shops have a great selection of stuff and since you won't wear the maternity stuff long, it's a great place to go. Baby clothes there are good too as a baby doesn't wear stuff for long. It's also a lighter load for the environment to reuse.
Peace,
R.
Hi and welcome to Florida. I moved here from Ireland (although not pregnant at the time) so I understand it can be pretty confusing. I had my first baby in May and had a great OB / Dr. Terence Harris ###-###-####. They are a group practice (about five Docs in total) and are just off of Glades Road on 13th. They are affiliated with Boca Community Hospital which was outstanding during my delivery/birth. There are also plenty of prenatel classes held at the hospital (many different ones to pick from too). As for clothes, I agree with the above replies..Motherhood is really the cheapest (and most fashionable). Target is good too but not a whole lot of choice.
Good luck with everything!
T.
Welcome to Boca!! There are lots of resources in the area. First, you need to get a massage for yourself. I do prenatal massage, then I lead classes on infant massage. Great way to meet other moms. I use a pediatrician called Pediatric Associates in west boca. Love them. ###-###-####. Go on line and look up Boca Mom's groups. There are lots. I also have the best pre-k and mommy & me when your little one is about 2 called The Sunflower Project.
Do you have a home you are living in? Need to rent or buy (now is the time) I have the BEST realtor in all of south florida, Scott Miller ###-###-####. Known him for 30 yrs. Very trustworthy, savy, smart, knows the market like no one I know!!
Let me know if I can help you in any way.
S.
____@____.com
LMT/Reiki Master
Hi! My doctor, Dr. Alan Patterson, has an office in Boca by FAU. I'm not sure where you are in Boca. His number is ###-###-####. He delivers at Boca Community (highly recommend it) and West Boca Medical Center. He's nice and his office staff is great.
As far as maternity clothes check out Motherhood at Town Center. They have a good selection and great sales. Old Navy and Burlington are good too if you shop on line. Thier in store selection isn't great.
For baby products check out Babies R Us. It's on 441/state road 7 just north of Palmetto across the street from the west Boca medical center. They have EVERYTHING!
Hope this helps and welcome to Florida!
Cathy V.
Dear C.,
Welcome to Florida!!!
I know how hard it is to move to a foreign country when you're pregnant! I did it when I was 7 months along- I am originally from Moscow, Russia; gave birth to my first son in Italy; then lived in New York for 16 years, and now I am a happy Floridian for the past 4. (No further moving plans- I love it here!)
I live in Boynton Beach, which is about 1/2 hour north from Boca. Palm Beach County is a great area to live, and has plenty of top-quality healthcare. I speak from experience- as a nurse, and as a mother of a child with a chronic medical condition. My doctors are all in Boynton; no need for you to travel here, as I'm sure you can find good ones locally. In addition to the responses to your post, you can also search the Mamasource archives. This website is a wonderful resource; I've used it a lot when I first moved down here.
One important thing about accessing healthcare in the US: you need to have a health insurance coverage and go to the doctor/midwife who is a participating provider. If you don't have any insurance, it is very expensive to have a baby... There are, however, low-cost and free programs for those who qualify- let me know if you need more info.
About clothing- I too recommend Motherhood Materniy and Target for you; Babies R Us and Target for all baby things. Don't overbuy- both maternity and baby clothes get used for only a few months. In terms of baby gear, all you really need is a stroller, a crib, and a car seat. Have fun shopping!!!
Enjoy your pregnancy, and enjoy the fabulous Florida lifestyle! In another month or so, the heat will subside, and you will be in for a treat as we enter a stretch of gooorgeous weather that will last for six or seven months straight!!! In the meantime, drink plenty of fluids to prevent getting dehydrated in this heat. (Dehydration can cause preterm labor).
If you ever decide to move to Boynton, maybe we can go powerwalking together :)
Cheers,
M.
Hi C.! Welcome! First thing I would do is go check out Amazing Births in Boca. www.amazingbirths.com/
Such an awesome place for pregnant women. They have all sorts of classes and resources and inforation. They teach prenatal yoga, natural birthing classes, have doulas, a small boutique with natural products. Plus all of the women who work there are totally linked into to the birting community here in Boca Raton and can help you with pretty much anything you need. I practically lived there when I was pregnant. I went to a midwife that they recommended, took the Hypnobirthing class and used one of the Doulas (Lorie). I had an incredible birth experience!!!! I made a ton fo friends through the different classes (many international) and can't say enough about it. I just felt so grateful to have such an amazing resource available to me. If you have any more questions, I would so happy to help, please feel free to contact me!
